The president’s actions have sent a wave of terror through the community that underpins much of the US economyDonald Trump has ramped up anti-immigration fervor into his second presidency, promising mass deportations, pushing to increase arrests and bolstering public relations efforts to amplify arrests. The moves have sent a wave of terror through the undocumented worker community that underpins large parts of the US economy.“Every day I wake up and walk out the door, I go with the hope of going to work, but with the fear of not being able to come back,” said a construction worker and single parent in Texas who obtained immigration protection under the Biden administration. She requested to remain anonymous due to fears about her immigration status. Continue reading...
Donald Trump has intensified his anti-immigration agenda during his second presidency, focusing on mass deportations, increased arrests, and amplifying enforcement efforts. Immigrant workers, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for years, face heightened fears of deportation despite contributing significantly to the economy. Trump's policies include deploying military resources at the U.S.-Mexico border, restarting deportations from Cuba, and rolling back protections for undocumented immigrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The administration has also expanded immigration enforcement into sensitive locations like hospitals and schools, undermining workplace protections for immigrants.
Many immigrants, such as Julia and her husband, have experienced labor exploitation and fear repercussions for speaking out. Immigrant workers in industries like construction, where they make up 34% of the workforce, are especially vulnerable to exploitation and deportation under Trump's policies. Despite the economic benefits immigrants bring, including tax contributions and job creation, Trump's rhetoric stokes xenophobia, framing immigrants as criminals and job stealers.
Unions and advocacy groups, such as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, are fighting to protect immigrant workers, but many feel abandoned by Democrats who have failed to address the systemic abuse of immigrant labor. Trump's actions, including the revocation of protections for Venezuelans and potential limits on Biden-era programs, have deepened fears among undocumented communities. Immigrants emphasize that the root of these policies is racism, not crime or economic threats, and they call for recognition of their contributions and rights.
